The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed nine cases of Dengue Fever in the Eastern Region, prompting an urgent alert.
This follows the detection of clinical malaria cases that did not respond to antimalarial treatment, leading to further investigation.
Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the GHS, has instructed all Regional Directors of Health Service and Chief Executives of Teaching Hospitals to alert all health workers, including those in mission and private facilities.
This aims to enhance surveillance and ensure all suspected malaria cases undergo laboratory confirmation.
The cases were confirmed at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) from patients with acute febrile illnesses.
Following this, entomologists and epidemiologists have joined the regional team for a detailed outbreak investigation.
Health workers are urged to be vigilant and adhere to surveillance case definitions for Dengue Fever.
Suspected cases involve acute febrile illness of 2-7 days with symptoms like headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, haemorrhagic manifestations, or leukopenia. Confirmed cases require laboratory confirmation.
The GHS calls for immediate public awareness campaigns on Dengue Fever.
Preventive measures include using mosquito nets, wearing appropriate clothing, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and proper waste management. The GHS urges the public to remain vigilant and follow these preventive measures to curb the spread of Dengue Fever.
